Will Batavia still sail in 2013?
Is Batavia still on TEN's list to screen this year, or will it be pushed into 2014?
- Published by David Knox
- on
- Filed under News
Last week when TEN fronted the joint senate committee on media reforms, it talked up its local drama slate as the busiest it has ever had.
In its statement to the committee it noted, “Network TEN’s investment in local drama will grow in 2013, as we broadcast our largest and most diverse drama slate ever with Logie-nominated dramas like Puberty Blues, Offspring and Neighbours returning and new dramas like Mr and Mrs Murder, Reef Doctors, Secrets and Lies: The Track, and Wonderland. In 2013 TEN will broadcast close to 190 hours of first-run Australian drama.”
But absent from the list was the 8 part miniseries Batavia, announced in October as part of TEN’s 2013 highlights.
So was it an oversight or has TEN quietly delayed one of its promised new Dramas?
Screentime did not directly answer a question about whether the show would still screen in 2013 but said the project was in advanced development and finalising funding.
A TEN spokesperson told TV Tonight, “The writers are hard at work on the adaptation of Peter FitzSimons book as we speak. Screentime are currently finalising their financing. There is already a lot of international interest and Batavia will go to air later this year.”
Given the scale of the sprawling miniseries, one would think Batavia would need to be going into production very soon if it is still to air this year.
Still, at this rate it will probably sail into dock before TEN’s no-show Come Date with Me.
5 Responses
Maybe I am cynical but I suspect that Batavia is destined to be a press release – not an actual production.
ghghgh20_211 – that should read “Come Date with Me in The Shire but Don’t Tell the Bride about Being Lara Bingle because We Won’t Survive!”
best for 10 is Come date with me is a no show…sounds like a bad reality show that will fail like don’t tell the bride
I can’t wait for Puberty Blues and Offspring!
I would guess this is the best and biggest drama slate TEN has had for years… regardless of whether or not Batavia comes this year or next.
No sign of Reef Doctors even though it was supposed to screen late last year. Also, still no sign of children’s drama Secret of Mako Island which was also filmed last year.
Is come date with me an actual show?? I thought it was a lie, happy to see international interest in Batavia. Thanks for the Update David.